2018 Williams Watch- Gone From The Australian Open

The first tennis major of the year is finally here, and neither Williams sister is in it.

As y'all already know, Serena gave birth to her daughter Alexis back in September, and had targeted the Australia Open as her time to return to competitive tennis.

But after entering a warm up tournament Down Under and not playing up to her exacting standards. she and her coach decided it would be better for her to spend more time on the practice court getting up to Serena level, and withdrew from the Australian Open. 

That left number five in the world ranked Venus to rep the Williams family tennis honor in Melbourne.   She came into this tournament having had a wonderful 2017 season, played in two Grand Slam finals (Australian, Wimbledon and the WTA Finals and was seeded fifth.

Unfortunately fifth seeded Big Sis was one of the eight players who went down in the opening round of the Australian Open.  She fell in straight sets to Belinda Bencic 3-6, 5-7.   Benci herself was upset in the next round.

Oh well, sad to see that Venus' work week in Melbourne was a short one.   See y'all in Paris for the French Open. 

And hope Serena is there as well.